History of Lithuania Names
The naming customs of Lithuania, a country located in Northern Europe, have a long and varied history. The country was once part of the Soviet Union, and as a result, many of the names of the people living there are of Russian origin. However, since the fall of the Soviet Union, the Lithuanian people have been reclaiming their traditional naming customs, which are heavily influenced by their pagan past.
Meaning of Lithuanian Names
Lithuanian names typically have a meaning attached to them. Many of these names are derived from Lithuanian words, such as “Aušra” which means “dawn”. Other names are derived from the names of Lithuanian gods, such as “Perkūnas” which is the god of thunder, or “Dievas” which is the god of creation.
Popular Lithuanian Names
Some of the most popular Lithuanian names are: Algimantas, which means defender of the homeland; Audrius, which means strong and brave; Gintaras, which means amber; and Vytautas, which means conqueror. Other popular names include: Dalia, which means branch; Eglė, which means fir tree; and Jurga, which means snowflake.
Naming Traditions
In Lithuania, it is traditional to give a child two names. The first name is usually the name of the child’s father, and the second name is usually the name of the child’s mother. For example, if the father’s name is Algimantas and the mother’s name is Dalia, the child’s name would be Algimantas Dalia. It is also traditional for a child to take the surname of the father.
Conclusion
The naming customs of Lithuania have a long and varied history. These customs are heavily influenced by their pagan past, and many of the names have a meaning attached to them. Popular Lithuanian names include Algimantas, Audrius, Gintaras and Vytautas. It is traditional to give a child two names, and for the child to take the surname of the father.
